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Useful information

Winter Riding: top 10

Ok so the weather is bad, its dark after work and we don’t feel up for the usual Sunday rideout after a hard week at the office/construction site/shop/pub etc.. but don’t get too down about it as there are some things worth getting that will keep you on your bike longer or at least remind yourself that you are a biker. Following on from my previous blog I thought I’d share my top 10 festive bike products:

Heated Grips

Bike+Motorway+Windchill=Misery. Heated grips help combat this.

Winter Gloves

In conjunction with heated grips can make winter commuting a pleasure. My favourite for warmth and price are Hein Gericke Pathans (and I’ve gone through a lot of winter gloves)

Windstopping Balaclava

Ice cold air has a habit of blasting down the front of your jacket and circulating around your helmet, balaclava will keep the draughts out and keep your head/face warm.

Tyre Pressure/Tread Depth Gauge

Grip is reduced this time of year, tyre condition is as important as ever, it takes moments to check your pressures, do it before every ride.

Scottoiler

I will always use a scottoiler, chains are really important, expensive and often neglected. A Scottoiler will double your chain life which in turn will save you money.

Trickle Charger

The cold weather effects a batteries ability to accept a charge, its power output can drop and if sat unused could cause the battery to deteriorate enough to need replacing come the Spring. An intelligent charger will mean your bike will fire up on the button ready for the first ride of the year.

Latex Gloves

Keep your hands beautifully soft and clean by using Latex gloves during maintenance jobs. Keep a couple of spare pairs under your seat for any emergency roadside repairs.

Bike Cover

Keep your bike under a decent quality cover to protect it, keep it out of sight of prying eyes (if kept outside) and most importantly to keep it (he or she) warm.

Cleaning Kit

The grit used on our roads during winter has two functions, primarily to keep our road network free of ice and snow but secondly to destroy our bikes. Rinse your bike down after every ride (cold water remember, not warm as this will help speed up the road salts corrosive action), and give it a thorough clean with good quality products as often as possible.

All these products will make riding your bike in winter more bearable and will at least ensure it hasn’t been reduced to a pile of rust come next riding season.

You’ve found the Swinton Bike blog - the place on the web where our bike-mad Luke Renton will be posting updates on the journey of the first Swinton Bike. You’ll also find lots of images and posts from Luke on all things bike related.

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